Playbill for Shakespeare's play, "The merchant of Venice," being performed at St. George's Hall, London. The playbill contains the names of the actors and characters, two reviews, as well as part of a paper on the play's dramatic treatment on...
Barry, Spranger, 1719-1777; Letters; Woffington, Margaret, d. 1760
Barry writes from London to express his confidence and personal support for Sowdon's plan for a Dublin theatre to rival Sheridan's. He suggests raising funds through subscription and mentions several actresses who may be interested in joining the...
Cooke, T. P. (Thomas Potter), 1786-1864; Rent; Theaters; Letters; Sealing-wax; Seals (Closures); Postmarks
E. Kemble writes T. P. Cooke asking for his recommendation of a tenant for the circuit. In the post script, Kemble asks about her brother, Charles. The letter contains notations by a second hand. The page 4 scan was rotated 90 degrees...
David Garrick sets forth terms in a legal document between himself and a John Moody regarding the "Release of a Bond it being lost." Document has been signed by Garrick and Albert Waller, a witness. Letter contains two watermarks, an embossing, and...
Poel critiques John Barrymore's performance as Hamlet for his nephew Reginald Pole, who had acted alongside Barrymore in Hamlet. He praises how "he talked his part" but criticizes his lack of emotion and overuse of ""the Macready pause."" A...
Poel's written extracts of private letters received in praise of his play, "The First Franciscans," about the life of Sir Francis. There is also a review clipped from the Manchester Guardian. [These extracts may be the enclosures referred to in...
Writing on St. James Hotel stationery, Booth apologizes for his late reply and thanks Boughton for her praise of his work at the Princess's Theatre. He regrets that he is too busy with his engagement at the Lyceum to see her husband, George...
Contract between Wynn Miller, Edwin Booth's manager, and R. Pateman, hiring Pateman and his wife for Edwin Booth's 1882 tour of Great Britain. The contract enumerates Mr. and Mrs. Pateman's obligations to act in the season's shows and provide...
Two manuscripts pasted together consist of two parts of a contract. The document gives power to Kean's attorneys in a legal issue between Edwards and Kean. Document is signed by Kean three times. A witness, B. Kirkham, signs the document twice....
Shakespearean actors and actresses; Irving, Henry, Sir, 1838-1905; Letters
Irving writes from London, praising rural life and regretting he cannot spend vacation with Wilkins. He discusses Albion Chapel and long working hours. He signs as J.H. Brodribb [Irving's birth name is John Henry Brodribb]. There is cross-writing...
The membership form, addressed to Poel, for The Elizabethan Stage Society explains why they were founded and what they are trying to accomplish (a return to play acting with the sole focus on Shakespeare's words, not the scenery.) The Society...
Playbill for Beaumont and Fletcher's comedy, "The Coxcomb." The playbill includes the names of the actors as well as some information about aspects of the performance such as the authorship, the revival, the music, and the costumes.
Barry writes to Sowdon expressing his concern for Sowdon's health and then goes on to say how he's more inclinded to play at Covent Garden than at Drury Lane for reasons he will tell Sowdon in person.
Bartley thanks Westmacott for his kindness in writing after "negligence" on his part and regrets that he cannot accept his invitation. He also mentions his efforts to find the manuscripts of the lectures Westmacott requested. The letter is pasted...
Gore, Mrs. (Catherine Grace Frances), 1799-1861; Bartley, Sarah, 1783-1850; Letters; Westminster, Robert Grosvenor, Marquis of, 1767-1845; Siddons, Sarah, 1755-1831; Noah, M. M. (Mordecai Manuel), 1785-1851
Fanny Morres Gore and her daughter Catherine write from London to Bartley in America, inquiring after her new situation and her family and commenting on the doings of mutual acquaintances. She mentions how they will soon be obliged to move due to...
Booth, Edwin, 1833-1893; Letters; Boughton, George Henry, 1834-1905
Booth writes from Piccadilly to regret he has not had time to visit Boughton and invites him to the theatre to see him. A note from Norman Philbrick in the same folder states that the original letter was once in his possession but that he sent it...
John Jones writes David Jones discussing the birthplace of Sarah Siddons, saying that it "seems to create surprize", and that the people of Brecon were hurt at the denial of the truth. He adds that she was in service with the Cliffords "which she...